Trends in the development and utilization of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the 13 candidate countries for admission into the European Union(the CC13) were examined by a 12-member panel of experts and its staff. The analysis focused on the following topics: (1) the communication infrastructure available in the CC13; (2) issues of infrastructure and the services and content provided through communication networks; and (3) the ICT-related capabilities and skills of the workforce in the CC13. The following were among the key issues and challenges identified: (1) the security and trust of customers in the new technological solutions for finance, trade, and communications; (2) the widening digital divide in the CC13 and local industry's ability to implement advanced technologies and supply state-of-the-art equipment and services; (3) the availability of public access points and involvement of all stakeholders in the process of building infostructures and providing high-quality services and content to the general public; (4) the ability of existing training systems to meet the requirements of a knowledge society; and (5) the need to strike a balance between acute societal day-to-day needs and the needs of an information society. (Forty-seven tables/figures/boxes are included. The bibliography lists 98 references. Lists of panel members and acronyms and abbreviations are appended.) (MN)